Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards (5) and Los Angeles Clippers player James Harden play with a ball during the second half of the NBA basketball game, January 14, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim)
MINNEAPOLIS — Anthony Edwards scored 20 of his 33 points in the third quarter and Rudy Gobert had 15 points and 18 rebounds to help the Minnesota Timberwolves calm the Los Angeles Clippers 109-105 on Sunday in the NBA.
Norman Powell’s corner 3-pointer – his sixth of the game – capped a 20-6 surge by the Clippers on a stretch of more than four minutes that reduced their deficit to 103-100.
Gobert, who missed seven free throws, including consecutive previous fouls that caused the Clippers’ bench to double over in mocking laughter, made four foul shots in the final minute to push the Wolves to the finish line in on a night where they had 19 turnovers. and allowed 37 points in the fourth quarter.
“Getting all the rebounds and making sure they didn’t end up at the rim, he was great tonight,” Edwards said. “He was standing up, blocking mid-range and stuff like that. Defensive Player of the Year, of course.
big time.
Ant – 33 PTS / 9 REB / 6 AST / 2 STL
KAT – 17 PTS / 6 CER / 5 AST
Rudy – 15 PTS / 18 CER / 4 BLK
Jaden – 14 PTS / 4 CER / 4 AST / 2 STL
Kyle – 10 PTS / 1 CER / 3 AST / 1 STL pic.twitter.com/2z1G7LHodX– Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 15, 2024
Cities of Karl-Anthony scored 17 points for the West-leading Wolves (28-11), who held Clippers stars Paul George (16 points) and James Harden (14 points) to a combined 9-of-33 shooting from the floor . The Wolves, who lead the NBA in defense, are 16-2 at home and 20-6 against their conference.
“We just didn’t have the smartest game today,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “The ant was a monster. Rudy was huge for them. They played well.
Kawhi Leonard had 26 points and nine rebounds to lead the Clippers (25-14), who had won 17 of their last 20 games and eight of nine before that. The Clippers scratched Ivica Zubac at the last minute with right calf tightness, and the 7-foot Croatian was clearly missed in his first absence of the season.
Gobert had four blocks for the Wolves and received a two-handed neck push from Terrance Mann after the Clippers guard reacted to a high screen in the third quarter. Their staredown didn’t escalate beyond that, but the tension between two potential playoff opponents was evident in the packed arena on a frigid evening. The Wolves stayed true to their playing philosophy, even after the Clippers went into small-ball mode.
“We talk all the time about winning this battle with this guy in front of you,” coach Chris Finch said. “I think when Rudy is behind you and plays like he does, it gives you even more confidence.”
Zubac was listed as questionable, then announced as the starter when lineups were released half an hour before tipoff, but he was ultimately ruled out of the game and replaced by Daniel Theis. Mason Plumlee, who has played sparingly since returning from a knee injury, also joined the rotation for the night as the Clippers attempted to deal with the enviable collection of big men the Wolves have assembled.
Powell scored 24 points and Russell Westbrook had 12 points and 13 assists for the Clippers coming off the bench to help make up for George and Harden’s off night. Edwards had a lot to do with that, and he had a lot of energy on the offensive end as well, as usual.
“He sees double teams every night. He sees a lot of different defenses thrown at him,” Lue said. “Not only does he score, but he makes the right pass, he makes the right read.”
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NEXT SCHEDULE
Clippers: Host Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
Timberwolves: Visit Detroit on Wednesday.
